The Best NBA Player From Every State For The 2023-24 Season

At the start of 2023-24, 506 players were rostered for the start of the 2023-24 season. Out of those 506 players, 381 of them hail from the United States with 42 of 50 U.S. States represented across the league. Despite the elite talent emerging from across the world over the last decade, the United States is still home to some of the most elite basketball talent in the world, representing approximately 75.3% of the league at this time.

With all of this talent spread across the United States of America, we figured why not take a look at the best player that every state has to offer based on how they are playing so far in the 2023-24 season? 

Rule: The list is based on the state where each player was born

Alabama – Herbert Jones

For the second straight season, Herbert Jones takes the selection for the state of Alabama. In his third season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Jones has maintained his role as one of the team’s starting forwards, and as the team’s best overall defender. Through 39 games this season, Jones is averaging 11.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game on 49.2% shooting. The Pelicans are 26-19 through 45 games and hold the sixth spot in the Western Conference playoff picture.

Honorable Mentions: Trendon Watford, Kobe Brown, Xavier Moon

Alaska – Daishen Nix

In 2023-24, Daishen Nix takes the selection once again as the only active NBA player to hail from Alaska. Nix is now a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves after signing a two-way contract in October. In six appearances so far this season, Nix has played a total of 21 minutes and recorded 8 points and 1 rebound.

Honorable Mentions: N/A

Arizona – Marvin Bagley III

Of the 19 players to hail from the state of Arizona, five of them are active in 2023-24. Of these five active players, Marvin Bagley III of the Washington Wizards is performing at the highest level. Bagley was traded to Washington two weeks ago and debuted with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks in a loss to the Knicks. In 31 total games in 2023-24 with Detroit and Washington, he is averaging 11.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game including 17.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in five games with the Wizards.

Honorable Mentions: Kevin Knox, Matisse Thybulle

Arkansas – Austin Reaves

In his third season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves has found a groove, solidifying himself as their third-best offensive option whether as a starter or off the bench. While playing all 46 games, Reaves is currently averaging 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game on 49.2% shooting as well as 35.0% from three for the 23-23 Lakers. Reaves playing at this level could be the difference between them being a playoff team and on the outside looking in.

Honorable Mentions: Malik Monk, Bobby Portis, Moses Moody

California – Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is playing at such an elite level in 2023-24, we recently named him to our Midseason All-NBA Second Team. Leonard has appeared in 39 of 43 games so far this season for the Clippers and is averaging 23.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game on 52.2% shooting from the field. Leonard’s health and elite play have led the Clippers to a 29-14 record which is good for third in the West.

Honorable Mentions: Paul George, James Harden

Colorado – Derrick White

The impact that Derrick White has had on the Boston Celtics this season cannot be understated. On both sides of the ball, White has performed at a level worthy of consideration for his first career All-Star appearance. Through 41 games this season, White is averaging 15.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game on 46.5% shooting. White has been a vital piece to the Celtics’ NBA-best 35-10 start.

Honorable Mention: Jalen Williams

Connecticut – Kris Dunn

In 2023-24, there is only one active player from the state of Connecticut. Eighth-year guard Kris Dunn of the Utah Jazz is their lone representative in the throes of his second season with the team. Dunn has made 38 appearances for Utah this season including 20 starts and is averaging 5.1 points and 4.2 assists per game. Dunn is seeing decent minutes at 17.6 per game as well.

Honorable Mentions: N/A

Delaware – Jalen Duren

Second-year big man Jalen Duren is having a breakout 2023-24 season with the Detroit Pistons despite their historic pattern of losing through 44 games. At just 20 years old, Duren is averaging a double-double in his second season with 14.0 points and 11.3 rebounds per game along with 0.9 blocks per contest as well. Duren and the Pistons have won just five of their 44 games in 2023-24 but their young core with Duren as one of the focal points has shown some promise for the future.

Honorable Mentions: Donte DiVincenzo, Bones Hyland

Florida – Scottie Barnes

After a disappointing second season in 2022-23, Scottie Barnes has silenced his critics and is well on his way to his first All-Star selection in 2023-24. While the Raptors rebuild their roster around the 22-year-old guard/forward, he is averaging 20.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, all of which are career-highs. Barnes is also shooting a career-high 36.3% from three on 5.4 attempts.

Honorable Mentions: Anfernee Simons, Jordan Clarkson

Georgia – Anthony Edwards

The competition from the state of Georgia is fierce but one player has stood out above the rest. Anthony Edwards has been the best player on the floor this season for a Minnesota Timberwolves team that is second in the Western Conference at 32-13. Through 42 appearances, Edwards is leading the team with 25.7 points per game on 45.8% shooting along with 5.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Edwards is well on his way to a second straight All-Star selection and possibly his first All-NBA Team selection as well.

Honorable Mentions: Jaylen Brown, Malik Beasley, Collin Sexton

Hawaii – None

Idaho – None

Illinois – Anthony Davis

The talk of the 2023-24 season has been the disappointing start to the Los Angeles Lakers season. Through 46 games, the Lakers are 23-23 but that has been no real fault of their star big man Anthony Davis. Despite the narrative around his health, Davis has played 44 of his team’s 46 games and is averaging 24.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game. Davis has returned to his Defensive Player of the Year-level play while becoming L.A.’s most reliable option on offense next to LeBron James.

Honorable Mentions: Fred VanVleet, Patrick Beverley

Indiana – Desmond Bane

Desmond Bane takes the distinction of the best player in 2023-24 born in the state of Indiana. Despite Memphis currently struggling with injuries, Bane has been a constant positive for them through 37 games this season. Bane is currently averaging a career-high 24.4 points per game along with 4.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game on 47/38/86 shooting splits. Bane is currently out of action with a left ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated sometime in early March.

Honorable Mentions: Michael Porter Jr., Darius Garland, Jaden Ivey

Iowa – Keegan Murray

Believe it or not, the two best current players who represent the state of Iowa at the highest level share the court as teammates with the Sacramento Kings. Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes are Iowa’s best professional products on the court in 2023-24. Murray has established himself as the better player this season, averaging 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game on 46.7% shooting from the floor. Murray’s emergence with the Kings has helped lead them to a 25-18 record overall and in fifth in the West.

Honorable Mentions: Harrison Barnes, Kris Murray

Kansas – Jabari Walker

A surprising selection for the best player from the state of Kansas is Portland’s Jabari Walker. In his second season at 21 years old, Walker has begun to grow into his role off the bench for the Trail Blazers. The 6’9’’ small forward is averaging 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in 41 games played for Portland while seeing just 21.2 minutes of action. Walker has earned an increase in playing time as the season goes on and may step into a larger role if the Trail Blazers move Jerami Grant at this year’s trade deadline.

Honorable Mentions’ Christian Braun, Dean Wade

Kentucky – D’Angelo Russell

From the state of Kentucky, the selection goes to Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell fairly easily. After returning to L.A. at the trade deadline last season, Russell helped the Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals as their starting point guard. Things have been a bit rougher for Russell and the Lakers in 2023-24. Through 46 games, the Lakers are 23-23 with Russell averaging 16.9 points and 6.2 assists per game on 48.2% shooting overall and 42.2% shooting from three. Of course, amid Los Angeles’ struggles, Russell’s name has been at the center of trade rumors leading up to the February deadline.

Honorable Mention: P.J. Washington

Louisiana – De’Aaron Fox

Following a 2022-23 season that saw him win Clutch Player of the Year, earn his first All-Star selection, and lead the Kings to the playoffs for the first time in 17 seasons, De’Aaron Fox has been elite once again. In 37 games played for Sacramento this season, Fox is averaging a career-high 27.5 points per game along with 5.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game on 46.7% shooting. Headed for possibly his first All-NBA Team selection, Fox has the Kings at 25-18 through 43 games and fifth in the Western Conference standings.

Honorable Mentions: Robert Williams, Thaddeus Young

Maine – Duncan Robinson

Maine has had just two players make the NBA after being born there. One of those two happens to be Miami Heat sharpshooter Duncan Robinson. The other is Jeff Turner who played 10 seasons in the league from 1986 through 1995. Robinson is representing Maine well in 2023-24, bouncing back from a rough last two years. In 43 total appearances with 17 starts, Robinson is averaging 13.4 points per game, a career-high, on 40.3% shooting from three on 6.9 attempts. Thanks to his return to 2021 form, Robinson’s playing time has doubled from 2023 to 2024.

Honorable Mention: N/A

Maryland – Immanuel Quickley

A true finalist for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2022-23, Immanuel Quickley has had quite the year already in 2023-24. He spent the first 30 games of the season coming off the bench once again for the Knicks, averaging 15.0 points per game on 45.4% shooting. After being traded to Toronto along with RJ Barrett in exchange for OG Anunoby, Quickley has made 12 starts for his new team, averaging 16.7 points per game on 41.1% shooting overall but a heightened 44.4% shooting from three on 6.0 attempts. I, for one, am excited to see the direction his career goes North of the Border.

Honorable Mentions: Josh Hart, Markelle Fultz

Massachusetts – Bruce Brown

Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1996, Bruce Brown makes his way onto our list being the best player in 2023-24 from the Bay State. Brown showed his true value in 2022-23, being the spark that ignited the flame more often than not for the NBA champion Denver Nuggets. After signing a two-year $45 million deal with the Pacers this summer, Brown appeared in 33 games for Indiana, averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Brown was recently dealt to Toronto in the deal that sent Pascal Siakam back to the Pacers. In his Raptors debut, Brown scored 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 25 minutes against the Bulls and has averaged 9.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in four games with his new team.

Honorable Mentions: Georges Niang, Pat Connaughton

Michigan – Devin Booker

While plenty of elite talent has come from the state of Michigan over the years, no player hailing from the Great Lake State is playing better than Devin Booker is in 2023-24. Despite dealing with early-season injury concerns, Booker is having another monster season through 36 games. Currently, he is averaging 28.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.4 assists (career-high) per game on 49/38/88 shooting splits. The Suns may have gotten off to a slow start but with Booker leading the way, they are back up to 26-19 and in the thick of the playoff hunt in the West.

Honorable Mentions: Kyle Kuzma, Draymond Green

Minnesota – Chet Holmgren

It may seem a bit outside the norm to have a rookie leading the way for the state of Minnesota right now but the truth is, no player from the Gopher State is playing better than Chet Holmgren is for the Oklahoma City Thunder right now. The Rookie of the Year hopeful has the Thunder looking like a true contender in the West, averaging 17.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game on 54.2% shooting overall and 38.3% shooting from three. Holmgren has looked like a seasoned veteran through his first 45 career games, capturing the hearts of Thunder fans all over Oklahoma.

Honorable Mentions: Jalen Suggs, Tre Jones, Tyus Jones

Mississippi – Drew Eubanks

As surprising as it may be, there is only one active player from the state of Mississippi in the NBA right now. Drew Eubanks of the Phoenix Suns holds that distinction in 2023-24. Eubanks has been decent for the Suns this season, adding depth to a frontcourt that is desperate for relief. In 39 appearances, Eubanks is seeing 15.6 minutes of action while averaging 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.

Honorable Mentions: N/A

Missouri – Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum has been playing at nothing less than an MVP-caliber level over the last two seasons with the Boston Celtics. In 2023-24, Tatum has led the Celtics to a 35-10 overall record which includes an incredible 20-1 record on their home floor. Tatum has taken the reins of an extremely talented Celtics roster with 27.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game on 46.8% shooting from the field. If Tatum keeps up this level of play and the Celtics continue to win, another trip to the NBA Finals in 2024 is certainly on the table.

Honorable Mentions: Bradley Beal, Otto Porter Jr.

Montana – None

Nebraska – JT Thor

Nebraska has had just 16 different individuals make their way to the NBA in its history with just one being active for the 2023-24 season. Third-year forward JT Thor of the Charlotte Hornets earns a spot on this list representing Omaha, Nebraska despite playing for high schools in Alaska, West Virginia, and Georgia. Thor is currently seeing limited minutes for a struggling Hornets squad this season. In 36 games, Thor has played 14.6 minutes per night and averaged just 3.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game on 35.7% shooting overall. Hey Nebraska, let’s start putting some focus on hoops, alright?

Honorable Mentions: N/A

Nevada – Zach Collins

San Antonio Spurs big man Zach Collins gets the nod for being the best player born in Nevada for the 2023-24 season. The 6’11’’ center born in Las Vegas has done a decent job next to French phenom Victor Wembanyama so far this season with 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in 36 appearances. The Spurs are currently struggling mightily with a 9-36 record through 45 games and Collins has done little to bolster their lineup. Still, he remains the best option for players from the Silver State.

Honorable Mentions: Julian Strawther, Maxwell Lewis, Troy Brown Jr.

New Hampshire – None

New Jersey – Jalen Brunson

With all due respect to bigs such as Bam Adebayo and Karl-Anthony Towns, the state of New Jersey belongs to Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson in 2023-24. After showing flashes of what he was capable of in 2022-23 in his first season with the Knicks, Brunson has left no doubt about his impact in 2023-24. Through 43 games for the Knicks this season, Brunson is averaging 26.5 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 47.8% overall and 42.4% from three. There is a different buzz around this Knicks team thanks to Brunson who has them 28-17 and fifth in the East through 45 games.

Honorable Mentions: Bam Adebayo, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jaren Jackson Jr.

New Mexico – None

New York – Donovan Mitchell

If you follow Cavaliers shooting guard Donovan Mitchell, then you undoubtedly have seen his unwavering support for New York sports teams such as the Mets in the MLB. Having almost been traded to the Knicks last summer, Mitchell has been on a tear since arriving in Cleveland and even more so in 2023-24. Although he battled injuries early, Mitchell has bounced back with 27.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game through 34 games this season in Cleveland. If he continues to stay healthy and play this way, he is heading for another All-NBA Team selection in 2023-24

Honorable Mentions: Jose Alvarado, Tobias Harris

North Carolina – Zion Williamson

The state of North Carolina has a long tradition of producing great NBA-level talent. In 2023-24, none have been more impressive than New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. Finally healthy, Williamson has appeared in 36 of 45 games this season and is averaging 21.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game on 58.9% shooting. Williamson’s impact on the Pelicans is evident as they boast a 26-19 record, good enough for sixth in the West. As long as Zion is on the court for the Pelicans this season, they can make some serious noise come playoff time.

Honorable Mentions: Brandon Ingram, Caleb Martin, Trey Murphy III

North Dakota – Doug McDermott

As one of six players in NBA history from the state of North Dakota, Doug McDermott is also the only one still active in the NBA. McDermott is in his 10th season in 2023-24 and his third season with the San Antonio Spurs. McDermott has seen 40 appearances this season, all off the bench, averaging 6.1 points and 1.1 rebounds in 15.5 minutes of action. It’s safe to say that his time may be coming to an end in the NBA sooner rather than later.

Honorable Mentions: N/A

Ohio – LeBron James

When it comes to the State of Ohio, LeBron James has been repping his state with pride for over two decades in the NBA. Even at 39 years old in 2023-24, James remains the best player in the NBA out of Ohio despite the Lakers limping to a 23-23 record through 46 games. James has done all he can at his age with 24.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. While it is unknown how long he can keep this up, his frustration with the Lakers right now is evident and with a player option coming up in 2024-25, speculation has already begun as to where his next move will be.

Honorable Mentions: Stephen Curry, CJ McCollum

Oklahoma – Jeremy Sochan

Much noise has been made about the Spurs moving second-year player Jeremy Sochan to point guard for the majority of the 2023-24 season so far. With the Spurs’ season spinning out of control, Sochan has shown minor signs of improvement in a position he isn’t used to over their first 45 games. So far, he is averaging 11.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game on 44.1% shooting and committing just 1.9 turnovers per game.

Honorable Mentions: Shake Milton, Jaxson Hayes

Oregon – Domantas Sabonis

Although he represents his native Lithuania in international competition, Domantas Sabonis was born May 3, 1996, in Portland, Oregon just as his father Arvydas was making his debut for the Trail Blazers. In 2023-24, Domantas has shown why he is one of the best centers in the NBA, nearly averaging a triple-double while the Kings continue to find themselves in the heat of battle for a playoff spot. Through 43 games, Sabonis is averaging 20.0 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game on 61.2% shooting. An All-NBA Team selection for the second straight season seems to be incoming if he remains at this level, and so could a Kings playoff series win as well.

Honorable Mentions: Cole Anthony, Jerami Grant

Pennsylvania – Mikal Bridges

In his first full season as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, Mikal Bridges gets the selection as the best player from Pennsylvania with the All-Star-caliber campaign he is putting together in 2023-24. While the Nets have struggled with injury and started the season 17-27, Bridges is having a year to remember. Basketball’s Iron Man has started all 44 games and is averaging 21.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game on 45.5% shooting from the floor. The Nets have repeatedly said that Bridges is their future and who the team will be building around as time goes on.

Honorable Mentions: De’Andre Hunter, Cameron Johnson, Derrick Jones Jr.

Rhode Island – Cole Swider

With minimal representation for the state of Rhode Island, Cole Swider of the Miami Heat is the only player active enough to be their selection for the 2023-24 season. So far in 2023-24, Swider has appeared in nine games for the Heat for 4.9 minutes per game. He has tallied just 23 points on 9-21 shooting from the floor and 5-15 shooting from three-point range.

Honorable Mentions: N/A

South Carolina – Khris Middleton

With all due respect to Ja Morant, there is no way I can give him the selection for South Carolina when he played only nine games due to suspension and injury in 2023-24. For that reason, this pick goes to Khris Middleton who has once again turned into a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023-24. Through 39 games, Middleton is averaging 14.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game for the Bucks this season and has helped them reach second in the East with a 31-14 record, just four games back of the Celtics in first place.

Honorable Mentions: Ja Morant, Nic Claxton, Aaron Nesmith

South Dakota – None

Tennessee – Brandon Miller

The selection for the best player from Tennessee for the 2023-24 season surprisingly goes to No. 2 overall draft pick Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets. With other rookies dominating the headlines this season, Miller has quietly put together a decent first season. In 37 games and 31 starts for Charlotte, Miller is averaging 14.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on 43.3% shooting. Sure, he hasn’t shown the generational talent everyone was talking about before the draft but at 21 years old, Miller has plenty of time for it to come to fruition.

Honorable Mentions: James Wiseman, Cameron Payne

Texas – Tyrese Maxey

There is nobody from Texas in the world right now playing better basketball than Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers. Erasing all memories of a drama-filled offseason surrounding James Harden, Maxey is dominating the Most Improved Player talk in 2023-24. Through 42 games this season, Maxey is averaging 25.7 points and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 44.8% overall and 37.3% from three. Maxey’s play alongside Joel Embiid has led the Sixers to a 29-14 start to their season, just five games out of first place in the East.

Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Butler, Trae Young

Utah – John Collins

It is quite ironic that John Collins, playing in his first season with the Utah Jazz, is representing his home state along with its NBA team in 2023-24. Collins, born in Layton, Utah, in 1997, is having a solid resurgence to his 2023-24 season after a slow start with the Jazz. In 42 games, Collins is averaging 14.0 points and 7.8 rebounds per game on 50.7% shooting. The Jazz have caught fire as of late due in part to Collins, and now sit at 23-23 on the season and 10th in the West.

Honorable Mention: Sam Merrill

Virginia – Keldon Johnson

The presence of Victor Wembanyama seems to be affecting Spurs forward Keldon Johnson more than is being let on. That being said, Johnson has played well considering the adjustment with 16.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists through 43 games played this season. However, the Spurs have struggled with a 9-36 record in 45 games leading to an interesting narrative surrounding Johnson’s future with the team and his availability with the trade deadline approaching.

Honorable Mention: Mark Williams

Washington – Paolo Banchero

2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero has taken a leap to even higher heights in 2023-24. Banchero is on an All-Star trajectory this season for the Orlando Magic, who he has led to a 23-22 record through 45 games and the eighth spot in the East. Banchero is leading the charge for an extremely young Magic team with 22.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. His efficiency shooting the ball has drastically improved, going 34.8% from three and 44.9% overall on the season.

Honorable Mentions: Dejounte Murray, Zach LaVine

West Virginia – None

Wisconsin – Tyrese Haliburton

One of the most electrifying stories of the first half of the 2023-24 season has been the level of play from Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton. From taking his team to the In-Season Tournament Finals to the newly-formed “beef” with the Milwaukee Bucks, Haliburton has injected new life into the league. In 34 games with Indiana this season, Haliburton is averaging 23.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and leading the NBA with 12.6 assists per game. He is also shooting the ball with 49/40/86 shooting splits, leading the Pacers to a 26-20 record through 46 games, good enough for sixth in the East right now.

Honorable Mentions: Tyler Herro, Jalen Johnson, Jordan Poole

Wyoming – None

“Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.”